Let’s be honest, I just want Kevin to pump my bags. It’s not that adding a standalone, Solana project would make sense. It’s not that Proof has acquired incredible talent from the Grim Syndicate team. It’s not that Grim Syndicate would be a self sustaining playground for wacky concepts. Kevin, I want you to pump my bags.

There is a tricky political situation if Proof tries to launch a Solana project. Their co-founder has a passion project on the same chain. Obviously, this caveat would not deter most people from minting a Proof project. Proof is a juggernaut in the space. Yet, the situation is FUD-worthy enough that it would be a counter intuitive prospect. I have a lot of admiration for Justin and do not want to see the controversy of a new Proof Solana project.

This leaves two option: Never launch a product on Solana or acquire the Grim Syndicate. Despite the title of this essay, never launching on Solana could make sense. We are living in a market system that respects the power law. Ethereum already has a significant lead over Solana. The Solana ecosystem is a fledgling by any standard and could still die in the nest. I don’t think Solana ends soon but that could be the assessment. In such a case, it would not make sense to acquire the Grim Syndicate.

There are benefits to Solana that make the chain likely to continue. As long as Solana is mildly relevant then there will be an NFT scene. If there is an NFT scene AND Proof’s objective is to highlight NFTs and artists, then the logical move would be to acquire the Grim Syndicate.

If Proof acquires the Grims there is minimal work added for maximum return on value. The Grims have their own roadmap but Proof backing unlocks avenues previously blocked. Proof does not need to hire more support staff or managers. Instead, Proof has a pool of individuals already managing the Grim project which could be trialed for the big leagues. Proof doesn’t need to babysit the Grim development. Instead, Grims can inform Moonbird development.

The Grim Syndicate is developing a computer/mobile game. They’re also doing it with upgradeable characters and some of the best lore in the space. The Grim ecosystem does not need Proof, Project Highrise or Moonbirds. The Grims only need time to continue developing. That is precisely why Proof should acquire them.

The Proof pass does not need Moonbirds. The Moonbirds do not need the Proof pass. This is how collections should expand. The Proof pass gave rise to many Moonbird holders but the two collections are distinct. The same can be said for oddities. They do not need to share the same roadmap. Acquiring the Grims would be no different. They are their own standalone entity. Besides, all the cool kids are making a game. Doesn’t Proof want a game?

If what I have written is true, then why should Proof acquire the Grims? Proof should acquire the Grims because Solana is more degen. That means all the crazy ideas (like randomly distributing eggs) could be implemented in their full glory. Everything that can’t be done on Ethereum could be implemented on Solana. Proof collection holders will be ecstatic with every new Grim development even if they are not holders. There’s a reason so many social media apps release beta versions in New Zealand before the USA. Those betas don’t get the benefit of NFT fanfare. Surprise and delight but also speculate. Every Grim update won’t make its way to Moonbirds but many will. That’s exciting!

Proof was heavily influenced by Grims to do non-custodial staking. I can not be convinced otherwise. Proof should be looking to $ASTRA for pitfalls and triumphs from the implementation of a currency. Proof could continue to look to the Grim ecosystem for development and research. The Grim roadmap is specific enough it does not need Proof but remains pliable enough to implement everything too crazy for Moonbird holders. Every success is free marketing and every failure is a lesson learned with minimal consequence.

Besides the development potential, Grims are making a game. Doesn’t Proof want a game? All the cool kids are doing it.

Justin was encouraged to pursue the Grim Syndicate from Kevin. I don’t believe they would have been animated from the void matter without Mr. Rose. With this in mind, I don’t think I can claim that Kevin poached Justin from the Grims. The Syndicate was a passion project first and foremost.

Proof did acquire our Art Minister, Sully. When I heard the Senior Designer Position was filled at Proof, I hoped but did not speculate. When I heard it was Ty Fortune, I was overjoyed. Sully is super kind, musically gifted and an insane artist. I only have one gripe with them. He promised me a video of his dogs enjoying the beach which is still unpaid. Outstanding debts aside, Ty is an exceptional human poached from the Grim Syndicate.

Ty is but one of a number of high caliber individuals residing in the Grim Syndicate ranks. Proof will not need to outfit the Grim Syndicate like they have Proof. Instead, the pool of talent that is already there will be able to elevate the Grims to their rightful place in Solana history. If anything, the Grim team will become a talent pool for Proof to pull from.

Now the obvious question is “if everyone is so great, then why aren’t Grims the top Solana project?” There have been stumbles. There has been slow development. There have been mistakes. Solana has been historically unforgiving to projects that are slow to build. The Grims initial budget was ideological and unsustainable. The Dev capacities were always lagging demand. The leadership have full time work commitments.

Despite all of these limitations and setbacks, Grim Syndicate surpassed a year in operation. The community is still strong - 85+% of Grims are staked. The developments continue. The leadership has been unflinching. Grims have remained a top 50 project by market cap and have unquestioningly the best art on Solana.

Proof backing the Grim Syndicate would allow the resources to bring multiple individuals full time. I don’t believe Proof will need to fund that change. I believe the backing and connections of the Proof brand will allow for this actuality. Oddities have done over $1.3 million in royalties. If official Proof Backing of the Grim Syndicate lead to a fraction of this figure then Grims can afford to bring on more full time individuals. This added capacity will give Grims the bandwidth we are lacking.

Here is what I view as a fair proposal:

The founders of Grim Syndicate (Justin, Detric and Lothar) and DAO should give up 50% of their future royalties to be an official member of Proof Holdings. The total sum from 50% royalties and a partnership with Proof will be larger than the return of 100% royalties and no official partnership. The DAO funds should be governed by the DAO and should not be used for management expenses unless specifically voted upon by the DAO. The new Proof funds should be used for developing the Grim Syndicate to its full capacity.

Proof should give the Grim Syndicate adequate autonomy but access to its expertise and network. This combination will accentuate the inherent benefits of acquiring a successful Solana brand while minimizing downsides of a forced merge.

I, Mattness, will transfer all of my Grims and Daemons to a wallet I do not control which was created for me by Proof. This represents a significant personal holding but I do not want this proposal tainted by pumping my bags. I believe this is the best solution for the benefit of the ETH and SOL NFT spaces. I will forgo all upside of this arrangement if it comes to pass.